Editorial: Double Standards

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that we have double standards in the U.S.

On the one hand�this week we have seen a congressional hearing related to the use of human growth hormone in baseball, and it is quite evident that one of the two parties involved in the hearing is lying (It's hard to tell which one, but one has to be lying as their stories are opposite.). In the past when lying occurred and the untruths revealed in congressional hearings, the punishment was often greater (because of the untruths) than the crime in which they were involved; so why not tell the truth in the first place?

On the other hand�we have the political campaigns going on and just as evident as the events in the congressional hearing mentioned above, there are many lies on both sides of those involved in the political race. However, instead of being punished one of them gets to be the President of the United States! It has been mentioned before in this column that political aspirants should be required to "tell the truth" and not make empty and irrational promises that cannot always be fulfilled with some type of documentation that their plans will work. Nor should they embellish their backgrounds and qualifications with something that may or may not be documented.

We've discussed the act of lying during congressional hearings and political campaigns, but what about when lying occurs within a branch of the federal government, specifically the FDA. The issue of lying is a topic that is close to home and concerns when an agency of the federal government, does not tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; it is time for a change! It is one thing to be uneducated about a topic and try to talk about it, but it is lying when you know better and do not tell the truth. Good luck if you are caught lying to the FDA; they will mete out a punishment (fine, jail time) but there is evidently no punishment when the Agency lies; a double standard!

A double standard has been a problem throughout history and generally results in countries that do not value and respect the truth. Without truth as a standard, we will cease to be a strong nation and will go the way of other countries.


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

As you may know, USP's General Chapter <797> has been revised and will become official on June 1, 2008. USP is offering a series of Webinars and Workshops to educate compounding professionals on the newly revised standard so they can appropriately interpret and implement the standard (See www.usp.org/hottopics/generalChapter797.html?hlc) for full details on these programs.

The Webinars will provide direct dialogue with two compounding experts and ample time to address questions related to the standard. The Workshops will provide added interaction plus hands-on demonstrations related to environmental monitoring, contamination control, and aseptic testing.

Given the increased emphasis on patient safety, it's critical that healthcare practitioners and compounding facilities understand and implement best practices. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and plan to participate in one or more of these programs. See full details on these programs by going to: www.usp.org/hottopics/generalChapter797.html?hlc

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Refill Requests by E-mail
Telephones, answering machines, and other communication methods are used by patients to request refills. With most families having e-mail access, etc., why not offer your patients this mode of communication for requesting refills on their medications? It saves time from listening to the answering machines and tying up the telephone during the day. Also, communications with employees of physicians' offices may be enhanced by using e-mail. As long as state pharmacy laws permit it, it can be a time-saver!